LISTEN: Tough talk with Kevin Lerena … and then there were four in the URC

Former IBO cruiserweight world champion Kevin “Two Guns” Lerena steps back between the ropes and goes to war on Saturday evening at Emperors Palace against the tough Ivorian-born Belgian Ryad Merhy for the WBC ‘silver’ bridgerweight boxing title at Emperors Palace.

War clouds will similarly be gathering again in the United Rugby Championship. It’s down to the final four — the Stormers host Irish surprise package Connacht in Cape Town and overwhelming favourites Leinster clash with fellow Irish side Munster in Dublin.

In this week’s Talking Point podcast, host Trevor Cramer is joined by ultra-confident, tough-talking and always battle-ready Kevin Lerena, while senior Citizen rugby writer Ross Roche unpacks the weekend’s URC action.

The table couldn’t be any better set for a buffet of great boxing in a Box and Dine tournament dubbed “The Eliminator”, staged by Golden Gloves.

With the striking similarities between the two in terms of height, weight and ring records, the fight, originally scheduled to take place in 2021, is a matchmakers dream.

Much like the URC rugby semifinals this weekend, there is only one chance for the two protagonists, with a shot at the world title held by the unbeaten Pole Lukas Rozanski at stake.

URC semifinals

South African rugby fans are likely to put rivalries aside this week and get behind the only remaining SA side in the URC hunt, the Stormers.

They were resigned to the fact they had to travel again after last week’s quarterfinal win over the Bulls, but opponents Connacht had other plans and dumped Ulster, as they then found themselves packing their bags for Cape Town.

Connacht have had a great back-end of the season and may be tougher than the Stormers think. Sure, home advantage has been a big factor throughout the season…but this is knockout rugby.

As for the second semifinal, we have seen references to ‘Lethal Leinster’ in the media…But coach Leo Cullen has got a fair deal of juggling to do with a Champions Cup Final next weekend against La Rochelle…Munster, on the other hand, are facing a mini injury crisis ahead of the semifinal.

Listen out for Ross’s potential game-breakers and match-winners, who he thinks will emerge as the winners…and more.

Also find out who Trevor and Ross’s FLOP of the Week is and who is worthy of the GOLD STAR in this popular insert.

Enjoy!